Biography
CODA (say: Ko-da) noun. A section of a movement added at the end to clinch matters or where all significant themes come together.
CODA Africa is Zami Mdingi (vocals), Carol Thorns (electric cello), Renate Riedemann (electric violin), Judy Brown (sax) and DJ LuvChild.
Fronted by powerful vocalist Zami Mdingi, CODA Africa combines electric strings (violin and cello) with saxophone and DJ. Their signature ensemble traverses different genres from Classically-inspired ballads to Electro-Swing, Dub Step, Reggae and Hip Hop. Countries the world over have enjoyed their dynamic and varied performances.
Their album ‘Disclosure’ has been nominated for 2 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for ‘Most Promising Artiste in Africa 2014’, and ‘Best African-Electro Act 2014’ alongside Goldfish and Mi Casa.
CODA Africa’s singles ‘It’s Still The Music’ and ‘Go Insane’ have featured regularly on South African radio stations. Their latest Electro-Swing track ‘Fat Boy’ is play-listed on Good Hope and Heart FM, also achieving slot on the SA Top Ten Chart. The music video of ‘Go Insane’ has been broadcast on Channel O and M Net.
A popular choice for varied audiences, CODA Africa has performed at numerous high profile and international events including concerts (Miss SA, Jazzathon, Jazz on the Rocks, Home For All, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Woman of the Year, Nederburg Concert Series, Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre), fashion shows (Cape Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week), sports events (J&B; Met, Durban July) launch parties and government functions.
Internationally CODA Africa has performed in the Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Dubai, Angola, Zambia and Botswana.
Testimonials
‘Eclectic in all the right ways’ Album review, Sawubona Magazin
‘Disclosure is a labour of love that can easily complete on an international level’ Album review, Kuluma
‘CODA AFRICA is just so hot right now… You simply cannot think about having a party without at least trying to sign them up for the evening’s entertainment… CODA AFRICA is the city’s most in-demand band’ Bianca Coleman, Cape Argus
‘CODA AFRICA are SA’s hottest Fusion Band – they really went down superbly – my clients are still raving about them. The band is made up of 4 beautiful girls (violin, vocalist, cello and sax) and a gorgeous male DJ. The instruments are electric so it has a classical feel but is super vibed up. They have an incredible stage presence and know how to work the crowd! They play all originals and it is so different to anything I have heard before- which makes them even more out of the ordinary. Great for a background vibe or to get the party started’ Candice Nethercott, Investec
‘We are so happy with the response from the CODA AFRICA performances over the 3 days – thank you for the huge role you all played in the success of the Cape Town Whisky Live Festival! We really appreciate the all the EXTRA’s and hope you get LOTS of future gigs from the festival.’ Whisky Festival (CTICC)
‘We would like to thank you and the whole of CODA Africa on your tremendous performances at the Flower Show. I have only received compliments on the entertainment on the show, with your band standing out at the event.’ SAA Flower Festival
‘CODA were absolutely outstanding, everyone loved them’. Private Art Dinner for the Guggenheims
‘We want to thank you for your professionalism to date and will relook at this as an option for next year. You will all be missed. Every bit of success to you and the team….it was a real pleasure
Wish you the very best for the season’. Balducci’s Restaurant – V and A Waterfront (weekly residency)
‘The DMI team would like to say thank you to CODA Africa for your incredible performance
You were absolutely fabulous and the client has fallen in love with the sound of CODA Africa.
You were an absolute pleasure to work with – from your organisation to your positive attitudes.
Thank you for making the night spectacular’ – Trish (Spar)
‘I wanted to say a HUGE HUGE thank you to you and your team for such an amazing performance on Friday evening. The ladies truly were AMAZING! The client was so so happy and basically said that Coda made his function and that they were the best part about it, so well done’! Ricki-Lee, Chocolate Orange Events, One and Only Hotel
‘Thanks to you and CODA for a fantastic show! Client was super happy. Hope to work with you again very soon’. Delphine, The Grand Café and Beach
Thank you for the superb entertainment at my 50th Birthday bash, it was a world class evening with the very best entertainment ever! Judy is so wonderful, everyone loved her and as for Zami, she just brought the house down! I am so thrilled I had the privilege of having them at my party, along with the fantastic DJ Alan. Please thanks them all from me, it was such a pleasure working with you. Lisa Curry (Hamilton’s International) Jan 2019